State Fair of Texas

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Cultural & TraditionalDallas
Dates25 September–18 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration24 daysListed event span
CrowdMassiveAbout 2.2M people
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsThe State Fair of Texas has run nearly every
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

State Fair of Texas in Dallas

The State Fair of Texas is an annual state fair held at historic Fair Park in Dallas, running 24 days from late September into October. Continuously operating in some form since 1886, it draws over two million visitors for livestock competitions, midway rides, the Cotton Bowl's Red River Rivalry football game, and an enormous range of deep-fried fair foods beneath the towering Big Tex statue.

The State Fair of Texas opened its gates for the first time on October 26, 1886, in Dallas, drawing roughly 14,000 people on opening day and more than 100,000 over its first run.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The State Fair of Texas has run nearly every year since opening on October 26, 1886, when about 14,000 people attended day one

02

The mystery stays covered

Its symbol, Big Tex, a 55-foot animatronic cowboy installed in 1952, burned down in a 2012 electrical fire and was rebuilt for the 2013 fair

03

The city starts moving

The fair is the only one in the United States to host a full auto show, a tradition dating to 1913, and its 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel was the largest in North America when it opened in 1985

04

The water draws everyone in

Each fall the Cotton Bowl hosts the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma alongside the State Fair Classic between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M, while concession stands compete to invent the next deep-fried novelty, from corny dogs to fried Coke

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

the 55-foot speaking cowboy statue introduced in 1952 and rebuilt after a 2012 fire

Water and renewal

Living ritual

functions as the fair's unofficial mascot and opening-day centerpiece

The sacred route

Living ritual

greeting visitors with recorded announcements throughout the run

The local code

Living ritual

The Cotton Bowl's Red River Rivalry football game between Texas and Oklahoma

Tradition 5

Living ritual

played at the fairgrounds since 1929

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and the State Fair Classic between historically Black colleges Grambling State and Prairie View A&M

Tradition 7

Living ritual

first played in 1925

Tradition 8

Living ritual

are treated as unmissable fair traditions in their own right

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25 September–18 October 2026

Getting around

For State Fair of Texas, plan transport around the exact Dallas venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Late September through October in Dallas typically brings warm afternoons, often in the 80s Fahrenheit early in the run and cooling into the 60s and 70s as October progresses, with cool...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For State Fair of Texas, stay near the part of Dallas you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map32.78 N, 96.81 WOpen in Google Maps

Dallas, TX

Nearest airportDAL — Dallas Love Field
TransportFor State Fair of Texas, plan transport around the exact Dallas venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor State Fair of Texas, stay near the part of Dallas you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Dallas via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Dallas, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearLate September through October in Dallas typically brings warm afternoons, often in the 80s Fahrenheit early in the run and cooling into the 60s and 70s as October progresses, with cool evenings throughout. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the 277-acre fairgrounds, paired with shorts or light pants and a layer for evening temperature drops. A hat and sunscreen help for the many outdoor midway and livestock-barn areas during sunny afternoons.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is State Fair of Texas?

State Fair of Texas is listed for 25 September–18 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does State Fair of Texas take place?

The festival is listed in Dallas, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

24 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Dallas, TX

How big is it?

Massive: 2200000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbigtex.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates25 September–18 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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